At the start of every year, the Stennis Capitol Press Forum has Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and David Baria, leader of the House Democrats, talk in back-to-back sessions. It’s an interesting contrast in views on the state.

A lot of Mississippians are happy with our existing state of affairs. Indeed, we are the most religious and generous state in the nation. We have great hunting and fishing, little pollution, great weather and plenty of room.

The Beauty of the New Year is our momentary hope that we can actually do better.

It is the same in sports. In football, you hope the second half will be a turnaround. In tennis, the next set will be better than the first. In golf, there’s always the chance to improve on the back nine.